Alicante
Tourism
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Alicante the city (not the
province of the same name which it is the capital) in the Valencian Community
is the destination of millions of tourists that land at El Altet international
airport then drive to other resorts nearby without setting foot in the
city.
There is loads to be seen in Alicante and it is
certainly one of my personal favourite places to spend a day or two.
The shopping in
Alicante is top notch although you should arrange your arrival
for the morning or early evening as even today, most of the shops and some of
the cafes and bars, still shut for the afternoon siesta, which can be very
annoying when you find half of them closed.
 Similar to most cities of the world,
parking is a problem so try the under ground car park that is well
concealed down by the Alicante port and marina, I have always found loads
of spaces there and it is only a short stroll to the main shopping
streets. If you have the time, try a wander around the yacht marina
itself, it can be most enjoyable, admiring the stunning multi-million
dollar yachts sparkling at their moorings.
On a trip to Alicante last summer, there were
over thirty tall ships from all around the world, moored in the harbour, what a
splendid sight it was. My afternoon was spent strolling from ship to ship as
many of them were open to the public to tour, some had entertainment and liquid
refreshments aboard. Then after the heat had taken its toll, we stopped at a
small quayside cafe / bar for drinks and food (and to get out of the afternoon
sun for a little time) and spent the next hour watching some locals practicing
impressive salsa dance moves.
The beach to the north of
Alicante Marina is another place that I find
enjoyable to visit, seeing all the happy families (mainly Spanish) sunbathing,
chatting and strolling. Try a snack in a bar or restaurant overlooking the sea,
all at very good prices and what a view. The whole marina area comes alive late
in the evening, with all the bars bursting into life and people taking their
stroll. If you want to join in the party the dancing begins late, and not
before midnight, then continues on till dawn.
Alicante is dominated on the landward side by the
castle high on the steep hill called Mount Benacantil. This is the Castle Santa
Barbara and worth a visit for the amazing vistas of Alicante alone. There are a
only a few parking spaces there, but I have always managed to find a spot. The
castle is certainly not the best you have ever seen and it covers a large area
on the hill top, but is still worth a few hours of your time.
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To find out more about
Alicante and its pleasures, please see Alicante
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